Population, Capital, Languages, Religion, Geographic Location
Turkmenistan is a Central Asian state with a population of approximately 7.05 million people. The capital and largest city is Ashgabat. The official language is Turkmen, though Russian is widely used in business and government administration. The majority of the population adheres to Islam, predominantly of the Sunni denomination, although the state promotes secular policies.
Geographically, Turkmenistan borders Kazakhstan to the northwest, Uzbekistan to the north and northeast, Afghanistan to the southeast, and Iran to the south. To the west, it is bordered by the Caspian Sea. The terrain is largely dominated by the Karakum Desert, with mountain ranges located in the southern regions. The climate is predominantly arid.
Political System
System of Governance
Turkmenistan is a presidential republic with an authoritarian regime. While the constitution formally declares a multi-party system, political pluralism is severely restricted, and dissent is actively suppressed.
Key Political Parties and Leaders
1. Democratic Party of Turkmenistan – The sole officially recognized political party, closely aligned with the government and supportive of the existing regime.
2. Communist Party of Turkmenistan – Its influence declined after the Soviet era, and its activities are now limited to historical and cultural matters.
3. Other Political Movements – Opposition groups operate either in exile or clandestinely. Their activities are not officially recognized and are met with repression.
President
Since March 2022, the President of Turkmenistan has been Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who succeeded his father, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Gurbanguly served as president from 2007 to 2022 and was known for fostering a personality cult and maintaining strict control over all aspects of life, including media, free speech, and political participation. Serdar has continued his father’s policies.
Recent Elections and Results
In January 2023, a constitutional reform abolished the two-chamber parliament and reinstated the People’s Council as the highest governing authority, chaired by former President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
In March 2023, elections for parliament and local government bodies were held. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) did not conduct full election monitoring, while independent sources reported widespread violations. As in previous elections, the process was neither free nor fair.
State of Democracy
Freedom of Speech and Media Independence
Freedom of the press is non-existent in Turkmenistan. The internet is tightly controlled, and access to global networks is severely restricted. Most foreign news websites are blocked.
In 2023, authorities intensified the persecution of VPN users and providers, blocking popular messaging platforms such as ICQ and IMO. Independent bloggers face interrogations and threats of arrest for criticizing the government.
Freedom of Assembly and Association
Protests are harshly suppressed, and participants face intimidation or arrest. Citizens are coerced into attending state-organized events, such as the inauguration of the city of Arkadag in June 2023, which caused significant physical and psychological strain.
Political Persecution and Repression
Independent civil society is virtually non-existent in the country. Non-governmental organizations are banned, and international observers are not permitted. Activists abroad and their families are subject to ongoing threats from the authorities.
Human Rights
Major Human Rights Violations
• Strict control over registered religious organizations. Unregistered religious activities are severely punished.
• Arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances. Since 2013, the “Prove They Are Alive!” campaign has documented 162 cases of enforced disappearances, with 97 cases still unresolved.
Civil and Political Rights
• Restrictions on freedom of movement. Citizens are frequently denied the right to leave the country without explanation.
• Administrative barriers to obtaining passports and visas. In 2023, passport issuance services were temporarily suspended.
TURKMENISTAN: REPORTS OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND REFORM PERSPECTIVES
Reports by International Organizations
1. Visits by International Representatives:
• In April 2023, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, and the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, Terhi Hakala, visited Turkmenistan. Discussions focused on women’s rights, the independence of civil society, and the lack of cooperation with UN human rights mechanisms.
• In July 2023, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, raised concerns about journalists’ safety and restrictions on the free flow of information, including online access. She urged Turkmenistan to adhere to OSCE media freedom commitments.
2. UN Reports:
• The UN Human Rights Committee (April) and the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (August) highlighted restrictions on media and civil society, violations of freedoms of association, religion, and movement, as well as ongoing concerns over enforced disappearances.
• During Turkmenistan’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the UN Human Rights Council in November, delegations called for addressing issues such as torture, arbitrary detentions, and enforced disappearances, as well as ensuring an independent civil society and freedom of information.
3. Reports by Human Rights Organizations:
• In October 2023, the US-based NGO Crude Accountability published a report on Turkmenistan’s prison system, revealing the expansion of detention facilities such as Akdash and Ovadan-Depe. The report documented inhumane prison conditions, including instances of torture, inadequate hygiene, malnutrition, and denial of medical care.
Reforms and Perspectives
1. Ongoing Reforms:
• Turkmenistan is renovating detention facilities to align with the Nelson Mandela Rules, introducing audio and video surveillance in prisons, and providing professional training for prison staff.
• Protocols have been established to inform families about detainees’ locations and their transfers between facilities.
2. Improving Information Access:
• Since 2018, the number of internet users has increased by 38%, social media users by 108%, and mobile social media users by 74%. Journalist accreditations have risen by 30%, with agreements signed between state and international media agencies.
3. Women’s Rights:
• The government adopted a National Action Plan on Gender Equality, including measures to combat domestic violence and ensure gender equality.
• Women are increasingly represented in parliament, government bodies, and political parties.
4. Future Plans:
• Developing legislation to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and creating employment opportunities through vocational training.
• Ratifying international treaties, including the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT).
• Drafting laws to prohibit child labor and forced labor.
• Strengthening the independence of the Ombudsman’s Office in compliance with the Paris Principles.
Recommendations for the Foundation
1. Strengthening Partnerships with International Organizations:
• Collaborate with institutions such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the OSCE to amplify pressure on Turkmenistan to implement reforms.
• Support Turkmenistan’s engagement with international human rights mechanisms.
2. Monitoring and Protection Initiatives:
• Advocate for independent monitoring of detention facilities.
• Support training for prison staff on humane treatment practices.
3. Promoting Freedom of Information:
• Assist in enhancing internet access, protecting VPN users, and reducing censorship of independent media.
4. Human Rights Education:
• Implement human rights education programs at all levels of the educational system.
• Strengthen legislative frameworks to protect women’s and children’s rights.
5. Addressing Repression:
• Promote the removal of travel restrictions, particularly for government critics and their families.
• Provide support for victims of repression, including political detainees and their relatives.